Thomas Tuchel, the new manager of England, joked during his first press conference and apologized to fans who criticize him for not being English: "I'm sorry for having a German passport."

The German coach, who has signed on with England until 2026, was present on Wednesday at a press conference at Wembley alongside the FA's chief executive, Mark Bullingham.

"I'm sorry, I have a German passport," Tuchel said, responding to criticism he has received in England for being the third foreigner to manage the national team and for potentially limiting opportunities for English coaches.

"Perhaps those fans can feel the passion I have for the Premier League and for the country, which I have enjoyed working and living in. I hope I can convince them and show them how proud I am to be the coach of England."

When asked if he would sing the English national anthem—something Fabio Capello did not do and which Sven-Göran Eriksson never mastered—the German stated that he has not yet made a decision.

"It's a very intense anthem, which I have experienced here at Wembley and during the FA Cup. I will show my respect. I will always show my respect for the position and the country."

Tuchel had been without a job since leaving Bayern Munich last summer, after ending the team's streak of twelve consecutive Bundesliga titles.

"I wasn't sure about the position because the international calendar is very different. I have always wanted to return to England; that has been my main objective. The offer came at the right time, and we share the same vision. Now we have to meet expectations. I know there are some trophies missing in the cabinets, and we want to help achieve them."

Tuchel will begin his role on January 1, with an eye on qualifying for the 2026 World Cup, which starts in March. The German coach signed a contract on October 8 that runs until the end of 2026.